'He's a hero to me': Joe Manganiello shows off his incredible muscles as he reveals his plan to take over as Schwarzenegger's heir

He gained nearly 20lbs to ensure he was in the best physical shape of his life to start shooting new movie Sabotage alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.

And now Joe Manganiello has shown off the results of his intensive workout regime in a stunning new shoot for Men's Healthmagazine.

The 36-year-old actor is seen showing off his muscular back, six pack stomach and bulging biceps while posing on a rock face for the publication.

Buffer than ever: Joe Manganiello has shown off his incredibly muscular physique in a new shoot for Men's Health magazine

Don't look down! Joe clings onto a rock face as he displays his muscular back in one shot

In the interview, Joe revealed that
working with bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-politician Arnie was a
dream come true, and he is more than flattered to be in consideration to
be his heir.

He said: 'Arnie
was a hero to me. He’s the reason why every guy of our generation
started going to the gym. To film with him for four months was awesome.
And he still trains every morning.'

The 65-year-old actor even gave his successor some tips on how to make his muscles look even bigger in pictures.

Action man: Joe has revealed he gained nearly 20lbs to take on a role alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in upcoming movie Sabotage, formerly titled Ten

Icon: Before making it as an actor, Arnold was a bodybuilding icon

Joe recalled: 'We
had a photoshoot for the movie poster. I was wearing a sleeveless top,
crossing my arms and flexing.

The full interview appears in the July issue of Men's Health magazine

'Arnold came in and said, "I see you’re
flexing your biceps. Don’t do that. Keep it loose and with crossed
arms put the other hand back to push the muscle forward – you’ll get
an extra three inches."'

When True Blood star Joe was cast in
Sabotage alongside is A-List action legend hero Arnie, he knew he had to
get into the best shape of his life for the role.

And speaking about his workout regime, Joe: 'My
first season on True Blood was about cutting down my mass - getting
more ripped.

'Then it was more about levelling out the physical symmetry.
When making the film with Schwarzenegger, I went through a powerlifting
phase - I put on 9kg, so my bodyweight was up to 113kg. Now, I want to
be a great athlete. It’s about becoming stronger, fitter and faster.'

And talking about pushing himself for the part, Joe said: 'I’m
not 18 anymore. But you won’t hear me saying that, because me at 36
would destroy me as a teenager.